Smoothest riding shocks?

[ECappleman]

I have an 03. 5 4x4 2500.

Wife hates the way it bounces on the city streets and bridges. What is the best riding (plush) shocks for the stock suspension. I don't really ever carry much of a load, just pulling a 6k travel trailer on an equalize hitch. (almost no hitch weight)



Thanks

 

[SMorton]

Have you looked at the KORE web site yet? I have contacted Bilstein directly 3 times since the first of the year, and they are still in the development stage of a shock designed specifically for the diesel trucks. KORE can still sell their serious shocks and you can retain your stock springs, give them a ring and ask their advice. I inquired with them about the systems they sell, and my request was that I didn't want to raise the hieght of the truck. They told me I could install their shocks with my stock front springs. Good luck, I agree, my 2500 4X4 bounces over those expansion joints and ruts a bit too much also.

 

[TexBamBam]

I have used the Rancho 9000x shocks and they adjust so you can vary the ride... you might consider using the Kore mini rear pack and dumping the thick overload spring... that might help however the Kore is not a plush ride by any means... its for suspension travel but, it sure improved the ride on my 3500. And dont forget the tire pressure... I run mine in the high 30's and low 40's... makes a big difference depending on the tire.

 

[ddutil]

Kelderman air ride ?

 

[evldsl]

The best shock for these trucks in L. A. (due to the expansion joint's) are the IAS EDLEBROCK PERFORMER SHOCK. This is only if you are going to use this shock as a alone system. This is inexpensive and works better then a off the shelf bilstein shock. If you are going to spend a ton of money then go for the KORE or DRC system shock but your going to spend the money for a off road system. "like me".

 

[Patriot_RAM]

Kore -- the bumps smooth out and the bounce disappears.

 

[ECappleman]

The best shock for these trucks in L. A. (due to the expansion joint's) are the IAS EDLEBROCK PERFORMER SHOCK. This is only if you are going to use this shock as a alone system. This is inexpensive and works better then a off the shelf bilstein shock. If you are going to spend a ton of money then go for the KORE or DRC system shock but your going to spend the money for a off road system. "like me".

Those I have seriously considered, but have not heard any feedback on them.

Kore -- the bumps smooth out and the bounce disappears.

5100 or 5150?

For stock suspension?

 

[Patriot_RAM]

I went with the full out DRC race, so I can't say for sure. My recommendation is to call Greg at DRC and trust his suggestion. One thing -- a big part of the good ride I have now are their front springs. HIGHLY recommended.

 

[Texasrattler]

Oh no Austin! I don't know if there is one or is possible on a heavy short wheelbase. Like TexBamBam said, maybe the 9000x set on the lowest setting. I have Bilstein 5100s on the front (ordering backs), better ride yes, but plush, no.



Pete

 

[Tim]

Rancho shocks are trash. They're made by Monroe and are of twin tube design just like the cheap factory shocks. Don't be fooled just because they're adjustable.



If you want good adjustable shocks, get Pro-Comp MX-6s. They're of monotube design like Bilsteins, and they're adjustable.



No twin tube shock will ever give the control and ride comfort that a monotube shock will.

 

[TexBamBam]

I agree the MX-6 is a better shock... but not for a soft ride... they are more for performance... at least that's what the 4-wheel parts manager told me. And I don't think they make one for our application yet...

 

[JThiessen]

I recently found out just how rough riding the Dodge's are when I went back to the ranch in MT. I took my brothers 2004. 5 F-350 to town, and the ride difference is night and day! I barely felt the washboard in his, whereas my 2500 almost literally bounced me off the road. I've gotta do something with it.....

 

[Tim]

I agree the MX-6 is a better shock... but not for a soft ride... they are more for performance... at least that's what the 4-wheel parts manager told me. And I don't think they make one for our application yet...

That brings you right back around to the Bilsteins then. They will provide similar ride characteristics.



Good shocks and good suspension control is essential to ride quality. Just because they're high pressure gas doesn't mean you're going to get a rougher ride. Controlled suspension motion is what soaks up the bumps.

 

[hasselbach]

Rancho shocks are trash. They're made by Monroe and are of twin tube design just like the cheap factory shocks. Don't be fooled just because they're adjustable.



If you want good adjustable shocks, get Pro-Comp MX-6s. They're of monotube design like Bilsteins, and they're adjustable.



No twin tube shock will ever give the control and ride comfort that a monotube shock will.

Rancho is located in the Long Beach area and builds their own shocks. Where did you get the Monroe is building them information? I've been to their plant a few years ago, and it was pretty impressive.

 

[Tim]

Rancho is located in the Long Beach area and builds their own shocks. Where did you get the Monroe is building them information? I've been to their plant a few years ago, and it was pretty impressive.

http://www.tenneco-automotive.com/overview/brands.html



Owns both Rancho and Monroe.



See for yourself... .



Rancho is nothing but white paint, red boots, and a sticker. No performance gain to be had with their junk... they're the same as the stock twin tubes.

 

[ECappleman]

So has anyone tried the IAS Edelbrocks? Had them on my Ford and they rode quite nicely.



Sound like it is between that (if they make it for my application) or the 5100s.

 

[TexBamBam]

I also heard from a budy at 4 wheel parts they are making the MX-6 shock for them also.

 

[coobie]

Bilstiens

I installed the Bilsteins 5100 series on my 2004 4X4. Night and day difference from stock shocks. Part numbers for the fronts BE5-6681H-5 rears #BE5-6647H-5. Paid $294 shipped. coobie

 

[hasselbach]

http://www.tenneco-automotive.com/overview/brands.html



Owns both Rancho and Monroe.



See for yourself... .



Rancho is nothing but white paint, red boots, and a sticker. No performance gain to be had with their junk... they're the same as the stock twin tubes.

Just because Tenneco is the parent company of both Monroe and Rancho doesn't mean that Monroe makes Rancho shocks. Similar to companies like Holley, and Mr. Gasket, Tenneco is a holding company that bought Monroe and Rancho Suspension.



I am always amazed when someone make an slanderous statement against a company about something that they know nothing about and tells it like they actually are informed with regards to what they are talking about. :-{}



I was at Rancho's facility a few years ago (our company actually financed the loan for the owners of Rancho) and we were given the tour. The shocks are more than just white paint and stickers. I've had 6 of them on my dune buggy for the last 5 years and they work fine, and always have. The bilsteins I had prior would keep blowing. Were the Bilsteins junk? No, but the Ranchos have held up much better in the whoops without coming apart.



TIM, have you actually taken a Rancho apart? Have you seen one on the inside? They are not a true twin tube because they can work in any position, unlike a true twin tube. Where exactly have you gotten your wealth of information so you can make statements (incorrectly I might add) that Monroe actually makes Ranchos, and that they are repackaged Monroe shocks?

 

[THUREN]

I am always amazed when someone make an slanderous statement against a company about something that they know nothing about and tells it like they actually are informed with regards to what they are talking about. :-{}

You may want to hurry up and edit this NEXT part of your statement then. Cause it's WAY wrong... .

TIM, have you actually taken a Rancho apart? Have you seen one on the inside? They are not a true twin tube because they can work in any position, unlike a true twin tube.

I will say that they are not 100% identical inside but they sure are similar. They both have valving "gimics" that don't work and do have to be run "shaft up"...